I’m writing this post myself, since it would be ironic if I used an AI app to generate this article.
I have ambiguous thoughts about Artificial Intelligence as I do with technology in general, but if used properly, it can benefit humanity and perhaps Nature on Earth. However, there’s malignant individuals and groups throughout the world who aim to use AI for harmful purposes. I’m seeing it now.
As an example, just today I saw on TikTok a video that shows a US aircraft carrier on fire, with emergency crews attempting to extinguish the flames. News headlines claim that Russia attacked the aircraft carrier in an act of war. The problem is, there’s no other news sites reporting this same event. AI in it’s current form is used for deception and propaganda purposes.
I wrote an essay on Quora not long ago. The question was asked- How can we stop the future from becoming similar to those shown in The Matrix and Terminator when robots are getting smarter than people themselves? Here’s my response:
<<I’m fairly well versed in science fiction/fantasy, and I have a healthy distrust of AI. My distrust is so deep that I suspect that the question itself was written by an AI program. I think it’s too late really, cuz the ones warning against AI for decades have been basically ignored. The genie is out of the bottle already. The best one can do is be prepared for an interesting future.
Even though I distrust AI, I’ve been exposed to it online, having seen some AI generated images, and read some of the answers posted on Quora by the AI program. I myself post anti AI articles on social media, but that’s basically being ignored by the Military Industrial Complex and the general population.
I mean, if James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger are speaking out against AI, and even some of the people who helped create AI are expressing concerns about the present and future consequences, what can an average person do? They will be in conflict with people who only care mostly about money, power, and effective results.
The good news is, there’s discussion by some people with more pull in the world who want to regulate and limit AI, so it’s possible to coexist with AI. Let’s hope that takes hold permanently, but I myself have doubts that will work in the long term. Ya cant fix stupid and greed.
Basically, be a Luddite activist and possible future “freedom fighter”, but that may not be realistic these days. Most people use electronic technology to some extent.
I do think it’s very interesting that Theodore Kaczynski, aka The Unabomber, offed himself recently in 2023 after just around the time AI programs exist. He warned about AI in his manifesto. Coincidence? Perhaps, but that’s something to consider. Death or stoicism may be the only options left.
Yes, my real surname is Anderson. Life can be trippy.>>
My ideas have evolved since I wrote that answer. Yes, I’m still distrustful of AI, but I aim to use AI tools to learn, spread facts and knowledge, and maybe even help people. Plus, if I use AI tools to supplement my abilities, maybe I and others could earn a livelihood without public support.
Artificial Intelligence in its current form is probably smarter and capable than some people, but not as smart as the more intelligent and capable of people. And there’s some jobs and tasks that it will be harder to replace. Police officers and plumbers, for example.
Still, I share the thoughts with other intellectuals over decades who warned against AI, including Harlan Ellison and Stephen Hawking. An article also recently came out that there are numerous ways that AI could cause human extinction, maybe even in ways that people can’t think of yet.
Yet, if humanity does face a major calamity and even possible extinction caused by AI, I think it needed to happen. I see a future where transhumans, super smart computers, and super robots replace flawed minds and fragile bodies. It could be social Darwinism at work. Harlan Ellison wrote something of a regret that AI exists cuz thinking is hard for too many people, and I’ll add that physical labor is often too difficult for many people.
I do hope that there’s others like me that can use AI to solve long existing social and world problems, but can that ever be a reality?
HETTY 